Thousands of residents in towns such as Nemours and Montargis, south of Paris, saw their homes submerged while shop owners were also left counting the costs as the town centres were inundated by the floods.

A "natural disaster" will be declared this week in the worst areas affected, which will make it easier for residents and business owners to make insurance claims.

Here's a look at some of the damage.

A bookstore in Montargis, 130 km south of Paris. Photo: AFP

A bookstore in Montargis, 130 km south of Paris. Photo: AFP

In Longjumeau, 25 km to the south of Paris, many residents have seen their homes completely inundated. Photo: AFP